Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
A study of 44 US climate-adaptation plans found that local communities apply diverse strategies to combat climate change, but often fail to prioritize goals or provide implementation details. The plans also lack clarity on metrics for measuring progress and addressing uncertainty related to climate-change impacts.
A new study led by NCAR scientist Matthew Long finds that ocean deoxygenation caused by climate change will become detectable between 2030 and 2040, posing a major threat to marine life. The researchers used the Community Earth System Model to quantify large-scale changes in oxygen in the oceans.
A new study finds that climate change will disproportionately affect African antelopes with the smallest geographic ranges, exacerbating their already high risk of extinction. The researchers predict a significant decline in suitable habitat for these species, particularly those adapted to cooler and drier climates.
A new method combines structured expert judgment and probabilistic inversion to provide a single, consistent set of probabilities for future sea-level rise. This approach aims to address the lack of formality in evaluating climate model uncertainty, which can impact policy and preparedness.
A Duke University study finds that framing climate change as a win-win issue can exacerbate opposition and trigger a significant negative effect among polarized audiences. Messages that conflict with audience's partisan identity fail to sway skeptics and instead make them more opposed to governmental action on the issue.
A recent study found that carbon dioxide fertilization is responsible for 70 percent of the greening effect on Earth's vegetated lands over the past 35 years. Nitrogen also plays a significant role in this process. The study used satellite data to determine the leaf area index, or amount of leaf cover, over the planet's vegetated regions.
A new study suggests that Americans' skepticism towards climate change may be partly due to the perception of milder winters and dryer summers. This cognitive dissonance between self-experienced changes and long-term threats makes it challenging for people to make climate-conscious decisions.
Ecohydrologist Lixin Wang investigates the impact of non-rainfall water sources on drylands, focusing on fog and dew. He aims to better understand ecosystem functions and interactions with limited knowledge of these sources in dryland environments.
Climate change will have devastating consequences for public and individual health unless aggressive, global action is taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions. ACP recommends that medical schools incorporate climate change-related coursework into curricula.
The American College of Physicians calls for immediate global action to combat the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses and malnutrition. A new policy paper highlights the need for physicians to educate themselves and their patients about climate change's effects on human health.
Researchers warn that copper contamination and climate change may hasten the extinction of two amphibian species due to increased copper toxicity and reproductive failure. The study found that even low levels of copper can be lethal to amphibians, highlighting the need for industries to reduce copper use.
Thousands of islands face severe climate change impacts, including increased evaporation and freshwater scarcity. A new modeling approach shows that 73% of small islands will become more dry by mid-century, affecting 18 million people.
Research assistant professor Ezra Wood will investigate nighttime atmospheric chemistry of wildfires and their effect on climate. The study aims to quantify hydrogen oxide radicals and understand how long compounds last in the air.
Rising temperatures in Northern Mongolia are causing salmon metabolism to increase exponentially, putting some species near their limits of tolerance for warm water. This could push these species out of one of their last refuges as the climate continues to warm.
Researchers found that plant gases released in response to climate changes can form clouds that reflect incoming solar radiation, cooling the ground and mitigating temperature rises. This effect is more sensitive than CO2 release through plant respiration, with a 20-fold increase in sensitivity to temperature rise.
The world water cycle is becoming increasingly unstable, posing significant risks to political stability and economic growth. Long-term water cycle stability will not return in the lifetime of anyone alive today, warns UN water expert Robert Sandford.
A new study by MIT scientists predicts widespread water shortages in Asia by 2050, with 1 billion more people becoming water-stressed. Economic and population growth, combined with climate change, exacerbate water-access problems.
A study of loess accumulation in the northeastern Iranian Golestan Province and south Tajikistan reveals widespread dust storms and a semi-arid climate during the early Pleistocene. The findings suggest that an arid environment developed in mid-latitude Asia, consistent with other regions experiencing aridification during this period.
Researchers use satellite data to quantify cloud base updraft speeds and aerosol particles' ability to create cloud droplets, providing critical information for understanding climate change. The study aims to reduce the uncertainty around global warming estimates by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees by the end of the 21st century.
Researchers found that a person's preconceived ideas, shaped by socialization and politics, influence their views on climate protection. Economic justifications and personal aspects like health do not sway skeptics, highlighting the need for comprehensive communication strategies.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that people are worried about the increase in global population, focusing on food and water shortages, species extinctions, and catastrophic consequences. The researchers discovered that individuals who perceived greater risk were generally those who indicated a willingness to adopt mi...
A new study estimates that climate change could lead to twice as many deaths from reduced fruit and vegetable intake compared to undernutrition. The research predicts that changes in diet composition and bodyweight could cause around 529000 extra deaths globally by 2050, with China and India being the most affected countries.
A new review in the Annals of Global Health explores the health consequences of climate change, including increased vector-borne diseases, foodborne illnesses, and mental health problems. Experts call for decisive action to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change on public health.
Researchers warn about the limitations of microsatellites in genetic diversity studies, highlighting the importance of sequencing flanking regions to minimize homoplasy. The study's findings suggest that using markers designed for a different species can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
A Harvard University study finds that grasslands across North America will experience an earlier start to the spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures, offsetting climate change's negative effects. However, this shift in seasonal patterns presents new management challenges for farmers and ranchers.
Research predicts an earlier start to spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures in North American grasslands, partially offsetting negative effects of higher summer temperatures. Annual productivity is expected to increase despite drought-induced reductions in summer productivity.
A new method quantifies monetary losses from coastal floods under sea-level rise, showing that damage costs consistently increase at a higher rate. The study provides estimates of average annual costs of sea-level rise over longer time periods, helping policymakers assess adaptation measures.
A new Yale-led study suggests that climate change reallocates global wealth in unpredictable ways, leading to a potential net loss in global wealth. The researchers argue that price impacts in resource-rich areas can significantly affect wealth reallocation.
Scientists create a computer simulation that grows realistic forests down to individual trees to predict how climate-related changes will affect fire rates, plant growth, and forest recovery in Quebec hardwood forests. The 'LES' model can help identify necessary species for reestablishing forests after wildfires and other disturbances.
A new climate model developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison can better predict changes to the ocean-carbon sink, a crucial factor in understanding future climate change. The improved predictive capacity allows scientists to distinguish human-induced effects from natural variability.
Researchers found consistent patterns in species distribution shifts within assemblages, influenced by temperature and depth. Climate change impacts vary between regions, affecting predator-prey interactions and fisheries management.
The Island Mass Effect hypothesis explains why seas surrounding islands are more productive. Phytoplankton growth creates a self-sustaining cycle, supporting life from small fish to top predators.
A new study suggests that optimized rain use and irrigation can increase crop yields globally, particularly in water-scarce regions like China, Australia, and Mexico. This approach to crop water management could make a crucial contribution to filling the plates of the poor and increasing climate resilience for smallholders.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather events will negatively impact global crop production, leading to higher food prices and scarcity. Global markets with the ability to deliver food where it's needed most can help counterbalance these effects. Trade agreements can significantly moderate the worst effects on food security.
New research predicts more frequent extreme weather events will disrupt global food production, leading to 'food shocks' that can wreak havoc on markets and families worldwide. The study highlights the increasing interconnectedness of global food systems, making countries vulnerable to distant production shocks.
A study led by UMass Amherst ecologist Kristina Stinson examines climate change's impact on maple syrup quality, including its chemical composition. The researchers aim to predict maple syrup quality under future climate conditions and explore management strategies.
A new study by the University of Reading predicts that climate change will delay transatlantic flights due to accelerated jet stream winds. This will result in longer journey times, increased fuel costs, and worsened environmental impacts.
A long-lasting cooling in the northern hemisphere coincided with the Justinian plague pandemic and contributed to the decline of the eastern Roman Empire. The researchers found that a series of volcanic eruptions led to a dramatic cooling, affecting food supplies and causing major famines.
A study published in Nature Climate Change looks at climate change over the next 10,000 years, finding that catastrophic impact will persist even after carbon dioxide releases cease. The research shows that sea level rise will continue for thousands of years, affecting land and population centers.
A new study finds that carbon emissions will have long-lasting impacts on the planet, with some effects lasting over 100,000 years. The researchers warn that reducing emissions slightly or significantly is not sufficient to prevent catastrophic consequences.
Early-flowering plants face trade-offs between enhanced pollination and increased frost susceptibility. Delayed blooming time reduces plant reproduction due to reduced pollination. Climate change constraints early plant reproduction primarily through direct environmental impacts.
A new study reveals that countries emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases are most vulnerable to climate change effects such as natural disasters and habitat changes. The highest-emitting nations, however, are less vulnerable despite contributing significantly to global emissions.
The study reveals that forest clearing substantially affects local climate by altering average temperature and maximum summer temperatures. Evapotranspiration plays a key role in these impacts, with arid areas experiencing the most pronounced effects.
A team of researchers is urging increased spending on agricultural research in the Midwest to address climate change impacts. The proposed network would gather data on crop performance and management practices across the region to improve crops' adaptation to high temperatures, carbon dioxide, ozone, pests, and disease.
Most US marine fish and invertebrate species are vulnerable to climate change, with some more resilient than others. The study ranks species based on their vulnerability, predicting widespread distribution shifts and potential impacts on abundance and productivity.
Researchers investigate how climate change affects the balance between nutrient and toxicant content of eucalypt leaves, impacting koala survival. Climate-related stress may alter eucalypt leaf chemistry, affecting koalas' ability to detoxify and gain energy from their diet.
An international team has developed a digital reblocking platform to help urban slum communities create more resilient neighborhoods. The open-source tool allows residents to map buildings, thoroughfares, and services and propose new layouts that efficiently solve access issues.
More than three quarters of Australians consider the Great Barrier Reef part of their national identity, and nearly 90% believe it is under threat from climate change. The survey also found that many Australians feel personally connected to the reef's protection.
Researchers at the University of Bonn used satellite data to find that ocean warming expansion contributed an average of 1.4 millimeters per year to sea level rise, more than double the previous estimate of 0.7-1.0 millimeters per year. This could lead to significantly increased risks of storm surges and coastal flooding.
New research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that water supplies in major Asian rivers, such as the Yellow River and Yangtze, will be stable or increase in the coming decades. The study models future climate change and its impact on the region's water balance.
A new paper proposes a revised framework to understand how temperature affects the activity of cold-blooded animals, revealing that behaviors like eating and mating are extremely sensitive to thermal changes. The research suggests that this complexity is often overlooked in previous studies.
A new study in HortScience evaluated high-yielding lettuce cultivars for subtropical regions, finding 'Fu San', romaine lettuce 'Jhih Li Wo', and leaf lettuce 'Bai Yeh Wo' as suitable for summer production. The researchers developed a new cultivar called Taoyuan No.3, with improved temperature tolerance and late bolting characteristics.
A new model suggests a more nuanced response to climate change in the Amazon forest, with individual trees experiencing water stress, leading to a gradual shift from high-biomass forests to low-biomass ecosystems. This approach better captures ecosystem heterogeneity and predicts a less drastic transition.
A four-year survey in North East England monitored changes in common plant species abundance to understand the effects of climate change and inform conservation strategies. The study provided a benchmark for future comparisons and contributed to the tracking of biodiversity data.
Research reveals that grassland soil microbial communities exhibit seasonal responses to temperature and precipitation changes, with warming treatments having a limited impact. The study highlights the importance of long-term research to understand the effects of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
Researchers found that coral communities on most of the reefs had recovered rapidly from a major bleaching event. However, reefs dominated by branching and table corals are vulnerable to higher sea surface temperatures, threatening their growth potential.
Researchers warn of declining crop production in the US Midwest, with global implications, and propose a coordinated field research network to gather precise data on crop performance and management practices.
A recent study in Nature estimates the Greenland Ice Sheet's mass loss since the start of the 20th century, providing insights into how global warming affects sea levels. UB geologist Beata Csatho emphasizes the need for more research to understand the ice sheet's past behavior and its future evolution.
A University of Queensland study finds that climate warming causes saltwater crocodiles to spend less time submerged, compromising their ability to avoid predators and forage underwater. The research suggests that elevated water temperatures pose a significant threat to the species' survival.
Researchers at the University of Alberta investigated past changes in Earth's core rotation to understand global sea-level rise. They found a correlation between the slowing down of Earth's rotation and the increase in sea levels over the past century.